If you’ve spent any time scrolling through SEC sports feeds or keeping up with the rising tide of women’s professional athletics, you’ve probably heard the names Hailey Young and Madison Scott. But honestly, it’s kinda easy to get them tangled up if you aren't paying close attention to the rosters in Oxford.
One is a defensive anchor on the pitch. The other is a record-breaking "energy bomb" on the hardwood.
While they share a university and a relentless competitive streak, their paths represent two very different versions of the modern student-athlete experience. Madison Scott, known to many as "Madi," has recently made the jump to the professional ranks, while Hailey Young (often associated with her collegiate transition as Hailey Cloud) carved out a legacy of service and stability in the Ole Miss soccer program.
Why Madison Scott is the Name Everyone’s Watching Right Now
Let’s talk about Madi first. If you followed the 2025 WNBA Draft, you saw her life change in real-time. She was selected 14th overall by the Dallas Wings, a move that felt like a long time coming for anyone who watched her play at Bishop McNamara or lead the Rebels.
She isn't just a basketball player; she’s a survivor.
Madi’s story started in the foster care system in Maryland. Her mother, Sakina, moved there from the Virgin Islands at 15, and they both navigated the system together before finding a permanent home. That kind of background builds a specific type of grit. You can see it when she defends. She doesn't just "play" defense; she smothers opponents.
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By the time she finished her fifth year at Ole Miss, she was the most experienced player in the program's history. We're talking 155 games. She surpassed the legendary Peggie Gillom-Granderson. That’s not just talent; that’s showing up when your body hurts and the season feels three years long.
The WNBA Transition
The jump to the pros hasn't been a straight line, though. That’s the reality of the WNBA right now—it’s incredibly hard to keep a roster spot.
- Drafted: 14th overall by Dallas Wings (April 2025).
- The Cut: Waived by Dallas in May 2025 before the season even tipped off.
- The Comeback: Signed a seven-day contract with the Washington Mystics in August.
- The Result: She actually finished the season in D.C., playing in 9 games.
It’s a grind. Most fans see the draft night highlights and think they’ve made it. Madi's journey shows the "bubble" reality of the league. She’s currently overseas with Geas Basket in Italy for the 2025-26 season, sharpenning that 6-foot-2 frame for another run at a permanent WNBA roster spot.
Hailey Young: The Defensive Anchor You Might Be Misidentifying
Now, here is where the confusion usually starts. In the world of Ole Miss sports, Hailey Young—often referred to by her married or previous name, Hailey Cloud—is a name synonymous with the soccer program's defensive turnaround.
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She wasn't a "day one" Rebel like Madi. She transferred in from Arkansas State after being named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
While Madi Scott was breaking rebounding records, Hailey was busy being the "glue" of the defense. She played 87 collegiate games, but her impact went way beyond the stat sheet. If you look at the 2024 SEC Community Service Team, her name is right there. She wasn't just kicking a ball; she was coaching little league teams in Oxford and collecting thousands of items for tornado relief in the Mississippi Delta.
The Misconception: Are They Related?
People ask this all the time. No. They aren't related. They are just two powerhouse women who happened to overlap during a golden era of women's sports at Ole Miss.
While Madi was an "energy bomb" on the court, Hailey was the quiet, consistent force on the pitch. Hailey’s game was about angles, clearances, and leadership. She was a captain for a reason. She led the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Basically, if something important was happening on campus regarding athlete welfare, Hailey was likely in the room.
The "Ole Miss Effect" and What It Means for 2026
Both of these athletes represent a shift in how we view college sports. It’s not just about the four-year window anymore.
Madison Scott used her fifth year (the "COVID year") to cement her status as a top-15 draft pick. She left Oxford with over 1,600 points and 1,000 rebounds. Hailey Young used her final years to transition from a mid-major star to a high-level SEC defender and community leader.
When you look at their trajectories, a few things become clear:
- Versatility is King: Madi played point guard and forward because of team injuries. Hailey transitioned from a dominant Sun Belt player to an SEC-caliber anchor.
- The Pro Path is Brutal: Madi's "waived-then-signed" summer is the new normal for WNBA rookies.
- Legacy isn't just stats: Hailey’s work with Reading with the Rebels and Night to Shine means she’s remembered in Oxford for things that didn't happen on the grass.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a fan or a scout following these two, here is how you stay ahead of the curve.
Keep an eye on the Lega Basket Femminile box scores. Madison Scott is currently playing in Italy. Her performance there is going to determine if she gets a training camp invite back to the WNBA in 2026. She’s focusing on her three-point shot—which was her biggest "draft floor" critique—and if that percentage ticks up, she becomes an elite 3-and-D prospect for any WNBA team.
On the soccer side, if you're looking into Hailey's path, look toward coaching and community development roles within the SEC. Her leadership profile suggests she’s a prime candidate for administrative or coaching roles where culture-building is the priority.
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Don't just look at the highlights. Look at the game logs and the community impact reports. That’s where the real story of these two athletes lives.